“It took a little patience for us to perfect Dr. Pepper’s special mix of 23 ingredients, so we completely understand and empathize with Axl’s quest for the perfect album,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.

No doubt, the inventive publicity stunt stirred a few taste buds and got a some pondering that ol’ record once again — notably, Mr. Rose himself.

“We are surprised and very happy to have the support of Dr. Pepper with our album Chinese Democracy, as for us, this came totally out of the blue,” Axl said in a statement. “If there is any involvement with this promotion by our record company or others, we are unaware of such at this time. And as some of Buckethead’s performances are on our album, I’ll share my Dr. Pepper with him.” Awww…

But wait! Hold the phone: Though no solid evidence of accepting the challenge is submitted, Axl does suggest sharing his can of DP with Buckethead, which would imply Chinese Democracy will drop in 2008, right? Let’s hope so — and if it does, Spin’s review is already written! (Please note the publish date before reading…)

Around The Web \

Alessandro Cortini tends to surround himself with darkness. The Italian producer is most infamous as a torturer of modular synths and other bleak electronics for Los Angeles’ most famous industrial-goths, Nine Inch Nails. His previous solo LP, Sonno, slinked out on Prurient’s Hospital Productions — a bastion of the crepuscular, if there ever was one. And… More »